Exodus / Chapter 39

Exodus 39

43 verses • Westminster Leningrad Codex 1 tradition available

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

The priestly garments are completed — ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunics, turban, and gold plate. The refrain 'as the LORD commanded Moses' echoes seven times. All the tabernacle work is finished and brought to Moses, who inspects it and blesses the people.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

The refrain ka'asher tsivvah YHWH et-Mosheh ('as the LORD commanded Moses') appears seven times in this chapter, deliberately echoing the sevenfold 'and God said' of Genesis 1. The tabernacle construction is presented as a new creation — what God spoke into existence at the cosmic level, He now speaks into existence at the liturgical level. Moses's inspection and blessing (v43) parallel God's inspection and blessing of creation in Genesis 1:31-2:3. The gold thread hammered thin and cut into wire for weaving into the ephod (v3) represents extraordinary technical skill in service of sacred art.

Translation Friction

The repetitive structure of the chapter — garment after garment, each followed by the obedience refrain — we preserved without compression, because the repetition itself carries theological meaning: faithful obedience is the point, and each repetition confirms it. The technical weaving vocabulary (hammered gold sheets cut into threads, v3) we rendered as clearly as possible while preserving the craft details. Moses 'saw all the work, and behold, they had done it' (v43) uses the same verb ra'ah ('saw') and the same assessment structure as Genesis 1:31 ('God saw everything He had made').

Connections

The sevenfold refrain parallels the seven days of creation (Genesis 1:1-2:3). Moses's inspection and blessing echo God's approval in Genesis 1:31. The presentation of completed work to Moses anticipates the presentation of the completed temple to Solomon (1 Kings 7:51). The priestly garments are finally worn in Leviticus 8 at the ordination ceremony. **Tradition comparisons:** The Samaritan Pentateuch shows 1 moderate variant(s) in this chapter. See the [Samaritan Pentateuch](/samaritan-pentateuch/exodus).

Exodus 39:1

וּמִן־הַתְּכֵ֤לֶת וְהָֽאַרְגָּמָן֙ וְתוֹלַ֣עַת הַשָּׁנִ֔י עָשׂ֥וּ בִגְדֵי־שְׂרָ֖ד לְשָׁרֵ֣ת בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֞וּ אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֤י הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאַהֲרֹ֔ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, they produced the woven garments for service in the sanctuary. They also made the sacred garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The priestly garment section begins. 'As the LORD commanded Moses' appears as a refrain throughout chapter 39, echoing the creation account's 'and God said.'

Exodus 39:2

וַיַּ֖עַשׂ אֶת־הָאֵפֹ֑ד זָהָ֗ב תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֥שׁ מׇשְׁזָֽר׃

They constructed the ephod from gold thread, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen.

KJV And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The ephod — the high priest's outer vestment — is the most complex garment, incorporating gold thread woven directly into the colored yarns and linen.

Exodus 39:3

וַֽיְרַקְּע֞וּ אֶת־פַּחֵ֣י הַזָּהָב֮ וְקִצֵּ֣ץ פְּתִילִם֒ לַעֲשׂ֗וֹת בְּת֤וֹךְ הַתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙ וּבְת֣וֹךְ הָֽאַרְגָּמָ֔ן וּבְת֛וֹךְ תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י וּבְת֣וֹךְ הַשֵּׁ֑שׁ מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה חֹשֵֽׁב׃

They hammered gold sheets thin and cut them into threads to be woven into the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and the fine linen — the work of a skilled designer.

KJV And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Hammering gold into thin sheets, then cutting into threads for weaving — a technically demanding process that integrates gold directly into fabric.

Exodus 39:4

כְּתֵפֹ֥ת עָֽשׂוּ־ל֖וֹ חֹבְרֹ֑ת עַל־שְׁנֵ֥י [קצוותו] (קְצוֹתָ֖יו) חֻבָּֽר׃

They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, attached at its two upper corners so it could be joined together.

KJV They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Shoulder pieces join the front and back panels of the ephod, creating the structural support for the entire garment and the breastpiece attached to it.

Exodus 39:5

וְחֵ֨שֶׁב אֲפֻדָּת֜וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלָ֗יו מִמֶּ֣נּוּ הוּא֮ כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֒הוּ֒ זָהָ֗ב תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}

The skillfully woven band of the ephod was of one piece with it, made the same way — from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV And the curious girdle of his ephod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to the work thereof; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The woven band (cheshev) is integral to the ephod, not a separate belt. Its unified construction mirrors the tabernacle's one-piece design philosophy.

Exodus 39:6

וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙ אֶת־אַבְנֵ֣י הַשֹּׁ֔הַם מֻֽסַבֹּ֖ת מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת זָהָ֑ב מְפֻתָּחֹת֙ פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חוֹתָ֔ם עַל־שְׁמ֖וֹת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

They prepared the onyx stones, mounted in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of Israel's sons.

KJV And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Onyx stones engraved with Israel's tribal names function like a signet seal — each tribe's identity is permanently inscribed and carried by the high priest.

Exodus 39:7

וַיָּ֣שֶׂם אֹתָ֗ם עַ֚ל כִּתְפֹ֣ת הָאֵפֹ֔ד אַבְנֵ֥י זִכָּר֖וֹן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

They fastened the stones to the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The shoulder stones are 'memorial stones' (avnei zikkaron) — the high priest physically carries Israel's names before God whenever he enters the sanctuary.

Exodus 39:8

וַיַּ֧עַשׂ אֶת־הַחֹ֛שֶׁן מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֖ב כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֵפֹ֑ד זָהָ֗ב תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֥שׁ מׇשְׁזָֽר׃

They fashioned the breastpiece with skilled design, matching the workmanship of the ephod — from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen.

KJV And he made the breastplate of cunning work, like the work of the ephod; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The breastpiece (choshen) matches the ephod in materials and workmanship. It lies over the heart, while the shoulder stones rest on the shoulders — Israel is borne on heart and shoulders.

Exodus 39:9

רָב֧וּעַ הָיָ֛ה כָּפ֖וּל עָשׂ֣וּ אֶת־הַחֹ֑שֶׁן זֶ֧רֶת אׇרְכּ֛וֹ וְזֶ֥רֶת רׇחְבּ֖וֹ כָּפֽוּל׃

The breastpiece was square when folded double — a span long and a span wide.

KJV It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The doubled square (a span = about 9 inches) creates a pocket or pouch, traditionally understood as housing the Urim and Thummim for divine inquiry.

Exodus 39:10

וַיְמַ֨לְאוּ־ב֔וֹ אַרְבָּעָ֖ה ט֣וּרֵי אָ֑בֶן ט֗וּר אֹ֤דֶם פִּטְדָה֙ וּבָרֶ֔קֶת הַטּ֖וּר הָאֶחָֽד׃

They mounted four rows of gemstones on it. The first row contained a carnelian, a topaz, and an emerald.

KJV And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The four rows of three stones = twelve stones for twelve tribes. Stone identification varies among ancient sources, reflecting uncertainty about exact minerals.

Exodus 39:11

וְהַטּ֖וּר הַשֵּׁנִ֑י נֹ֥פֶךְ סַפִּ֖יר וְיָהֲלֹֽם׃

The second row had a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond.

KJV And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The second row of precious stones continues the tribal representation. Each stone is unique, reflecting the distinct identity of each Israelite tribe.

Exodus 39:12

וְהַטּ֖וּר הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י לֶ֥שֶׁם שְׁב֖וֹ וְאַחְלָֽמָה׃

The third row held a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst.

KJV And the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The third row of gemstones. The order likely corresponds to the birth order or camp arrangement of Israel's twelve tribes.

Exodus 39:13

וְהַטּוּר֙ הָֽרְבִיעִ֔י תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ שֹׁ֖הַם וְיָשְׁפֵ֑ה מֽוּסַבֹּ֛ת מִשְׁבְּצֹ֥ת זָהָ֖ב בְּמִלֻּאֹתָֽם׃

The fourth row contained a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper — each set in a gold filigree mounting.

KJV And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The fourth row completes the twelve stones. Gold filigree settings secure each stone — precious material holding precious material, all bearing tribal names.

Exodus 39:14

וְ֠הָאֲבָנִ֠ים עַל־שְׁמֹ֨ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל הֵ֛נָּה שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה עַל־שְׁמֹתָ֑ם פִּתּוּחֵ֤י חֹתָם֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל־שְׁמ֔וֹ לִשְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר שָֽׁבֶט׃

The stones corresponded to the names of Israel's sons — twelve in all, one for each tribe, each engraved like a seal with the name of one tribe.

KJV And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to the twelve tribes.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Each stone is individually engraved like a seal — permanent, authoritative, personal. The high priest wears Israel's identity into God's presence.

Exodus 39:15

וַיַּעֲשׂ֧וּ עַל־הַחֹ֛שֶׁן שַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥ת גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃

For the breastpiece they crafted braided chains of pure gold, twisted like cords.

KJV And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Braided gold chains connect the breastpiece to the ephod. The 'twisted cord' (avot) design provides both beauty and structural strength.

Exodus 39:16

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֗וּ שְׁתֵּי֙ מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת זָהָ֔ב וּשְׁתֵּ֖י טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֑ב וַֽיִּתְּנ֗וּ אֶת־שְׁתֵּי֙ הַטַּבָּעֹ֔ת עַל־שְׁנֵ֖י קְצ֥וֹת הַחֹֽשֶׁן׃

They made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, attaching the rings to the two upper corners of the breastpiece.

KJV And they made two ouches of gold, and two gold rings; and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Filigree gold settings and rings create the upper attachment system. The engineering ensures the breastpiece hangs securely from the shoulders.

Exodus 39:17

וַֽיִּתְּנ֗וּ שְׁתֵּי֙ הָעֲבֹתֹ֣ת הַזָּהָ֔ב עַל־שְׁתֵּ֖י הַטַּבָּעֹ֑ת עַל־קְצ֖וֹת הַחֹֽשֶׁן׃

They attached the two gold braided chains to the two rings at the corners of the breastpiece.

KJV And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Gold chains thread through the upper corner rings, creating the primary suspension for the breastpiece from the shoulder pieces above.

Exodus 39:18

וְאֵ֨ת שְׁתֵּ֤י קְצוֹת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הָֽעֲבֹתֹ֔ת נָתְנ֖וּ עַל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֛ם עַל־כִּתְפֹ֥ת הָאֵפֹ֖ד אֶל־מ֥וּל פָּנָֽיו׃

The other two ends of the braided chains they fastened to the two filigree settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front.

KJV And the two ends of the two wreathen chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces of the ephod, before it.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The chains fasten to filigree settings on the shoulder pieces, distributing the breastpiece's weight evenly across both shoulders.

Exodus 39:19

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֗וּ שְׁתֵּי֙ טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֔ב וַיָּשִׂ֕ימוּ עַל־שְׁנֵ֖י קְצ֣וֹת הַחֹ֑שֶׁן עַל־שְׂפָת֕וֹ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֶל־עֵ֥בֶר הָאֵפֹ֖ד בָּֽיְתָה׃

They made two more gold rings and attached them to the two lower corners of the breastpiece, on its inner edge next to the ephod.

KJV And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Additional lower rings on the breastpiece's inner edge prevent it from swinging outward during the priest's movements.

Exodus 39:20

וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֮ שְׁתֵּ֣י טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָב֒ וַֽיִּתְּנֻ֡ם עַל־שְׁתֵּי֩ כִתְפֹ֨ת הָאֵפֹ֤ד מִלְּמַ֙טָּה֙ מִמּ֣וּל פָּנָ֔יו לְעֻמַּ֖ת מַחְבַּרְתּ֑וֹ מִמַּ֕עַל לְחֵ֖שֶׁב הָאֵפֹֽד׃

They made two additional gold rings and fastened them to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at the front near its seam, just above the woven band.

KJV And they made two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the forepart of it, over against the other coupling thereof, above the curious girdle of the ephod.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Matching rings on the lower ephod near the seam above the woven band complete the four-point attachment system securing the breastpiece.

Exodus 39:21

וַיִּרְכְּס֣וּ אֶת־הַחֹ֡שֶׁן מִטַּבְּעֹתָיו֩ אֶל־טַבְּעֹ֨ת הָאֵפֹ֜ד בִּפְתִ֣יל תְּכֵ֗לֶת לִֽהְיֹת֙ עַל־חֵ֣שֶׁב הָאֵפֹ֔ד וְלֹֽא־יִזַּ֣ח הַחֹ֔שֶׁן מֵעַ֖ל הָאֵפֹ֑ד כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

They tied the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it rested on the woven band and would not come loose from the ephod — just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

A blue cord ties the lower rings together, ensuring the breastpiece stays flush against the ephod. The refrain 'as the LORD commanded Moses' validates the execution.

Samaritan Pentateuch (4th c. BCE divergence)moderate

"as the LORD commanded Moses"

This refrain appears throughout Ex 36-39. SP and MT agree on the refrain itself, though SP adjusts the surrounding text to make the correspondence between command and execution more precise.

Exodus 39:22

וַיַּ֛עַשׂ אֶת־מְעִ֥יל הָאֵפֹ֖ד מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֹרֵ֑ג כְּלִ֖יל תְּכֵֽלֶת׃

They wove the robe of the ephod entirely from blue yarn.

KJV And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The robe (me'il) worn under the ephod is entirely blue (tekhelet) — the color associated with heaven and divine presence.

Exodus 39:23

וּפִֽי־הַמְּעִ֥יל בְּתוֹכ֖וֹ כְּפִ֣י תַחְרָ֑א שָׂפָ֥ה לְפִ֛יו סָבִ֖יב לֹ֥א יִקָּרֵֽעַ׃

It had an opening at the center, like the collar of a coat of armor, with a reinforced band around the opening so it would not tear.

KJV And there was an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The reinforced collar opening prevents tearing — practical garment engineering for a robe that must endure regular priestly service without damage.

Exodus 39:24

וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙ עַל־שׁוּלֵ֣י הַמְּעִ֔יל רִמּוֹנֵ֕י תְּכֵ֥לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֖ן וְתוֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֑י מׇשְׁזָֽר׃

On the lower hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted linen.

KJV And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Pomegranates on the hem — symbols of fruitfulness and abundance. Their blue, purple, and scarlet colors match the tabernacle's decorative palette.

Exodus 39:25

וַיַּעֲשׂ֥וּ פַעֲמֹנֵ֖י זָהָ֣ב טָה֑וֹר וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ אֶת־הַפַּֽעֲמֹנִ֜ים בְּת֣וֹךְ הָרִמֹּנִ֗ים עַל־שׁוּלֵ֤י הַמְּעִיל֙ סָבִ֔יב בְּת֖וֹךְ הָרִמֹּנִֽים׃

They also made bells of pure gold and placed them between the pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe —

KJV And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Pure gold bells between the pomegranates produce sound as the priest moves, announcing his presence in the sanctuary before God.

Exodus 39:26

פַּעֲמֹ֤ן וְרִמֹּן֙ פַּעֲמֹ֣ן וְרִמֹּ֔ן עַל־שׁוּלֵ֥י הַמְּעִ֖יל סָבִ֑יב לְשָׁרֵ֕ת כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}

alternating a bell and a pomegranate all around the hem of the robe worn for ministry, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Alternating bells and pomegranates create a rhythmic pattern of sound and symbol. The robe is 'for ministry' — designed for its sacred function.

Exodus 39:27

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ אֶת־הַכׇּתְנֹ֥ת שֵׁ֖שׁ מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֹרֵ֑ג לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָֽיו׃

They wove tunics of fine linen for Aaron and his sons,

KJV And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Fine linen tunics (kuttonet) for Aaron and his sons are the innermost garments — simple white linen worn next to the body beneath the other vestments.

Exodus 39:28

וְאֵת֙ הַמִּצְנֶ֣פֶת שֵׁ֔שׁ וְאֶת־פַּאֲרֵ֥י הַמִּגְבָּעֹ֖ת שֵׁ֑שׁ וְאֶת־מִכְנְסֵ֥י הַבָּ֖ד שֵׁ֥שׁ מׇשְׁזָֽר׃

along with a turban of fine linen, decorative headbands of fine linen, and undergarments of finely twisted linen,

KJV And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The turban (mitznefet) for Aaron, headbands (migba'ot) for his sons, and linen undergarments complete the basic priestly wardrobe of purity and modesty.

Exodus 39:29

וְֽאֶת־הָאַבְנֵ֞ט שֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֗ר וּתְכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה רֹקֵ֑ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}

and a sash of finely twisted linen with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn — embroidered work — just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The sash (avnet) of embroidered linen with colored yarn wraps the waist, securing the tunic. Even this accessory follows God's exact specifications.

Exodus 39:30

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֛וּ אֶת־צִ֥יץ נֵֽזֶר־הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ זָהָ֣ב טָה֑וֹר וַיִּכְתְּב֣וּ עָלָ֗יו מִכְתַּב֙ פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חוֹתָ֔ם קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַיהֹוָֽה׃

They made the medallion — the sacred diadem — from pure gold, and inscribed on it like a seal engraving: HOLY TO THE LORD.

KJV And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The gold medallion (tzitz) inscribed HOLY TO THE LORD is the crown of the priestly wardrobe — it rests on the turban at the forehead, Israel's holiness made visible.

Exodus 39:31

וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ עָלָיו֙ פְּתִ֣יל תְּכֵ֔לֶת לָתֵ֥ת עַל־הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת מִלְמָ֑עְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}

They attached a blue cord to fasten it to the top of the turban, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high upon the mitre; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

A blue cord secures the medallion to the turban. Blue (tekhelet) connects the priestly crown to the heavenly realm the priest mediates between.

Exodus 39:32

וַתֵּ֕כֶל כׇּל־עֲבֹדַ֕ת מִשְׁכַּ֖ן אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֖ה כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ׃ {פ}

So all the work on the tabernacle — the tent of meeting — was completed. The Israelites had done everything precisely as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The summary formula echoes Genesis 2:1-2 — 'all the work was completed.' The tabernacle construction parallels the creation narrative in structure and language.

Exodus 39:33

וַיָּבִ֤יאוּ אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶת־הָאֹ֖הֶל וְאֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלָ֑יו קְרָסָ֣יו קְרָשָׁ֔יו בְּרִיחָ֖ו וְעַמֻּדָ֥יו וַאֲדָנָֽיו׃

They presented the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings — its clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and bases;

KJV And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The completed tabernacle and all its components are presented to Moses for inspection — structural elements first: clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, bases.

Exodus 39:34

וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֞ה עוֹרֹ֤ת הָֽאֵילִם֙ הַמְאׇדָּמִ֔ים וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֖ה עֹרֹ֣ת הַתְּחָשִׁ֑ים וְאֵ֖ת פָּרֹ֥כֶת הַמָּסָֽךְ׃

the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of fine leather, and the screening curtain;

KJV And the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers’ skins, and the vail of the covering,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The protective coverings and the inner curtain are presented — the layers that shield and separate within the sacred structure.

Exodus 39:35

אֶת־אֲר֥וֹן הָעֵדֻ֖ת וְאֶת־בַּדָּ֑יו וְאֵ֖ת הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃

the ark of the testimony with its poles and the mercy seat;

KJV The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The ark of the testimony and the mercy seat — the most sacred objects — are listed among the items brought for Moses's inspection.

Exodus 39:36

אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ אֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלָ֔יו וְאֵ֖ת לֶ֥חֶם הַפָּנִֽים׃

the table with all its utensils and the bread of the Presence;

KJV The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The table and bread of the Presence — the furnishing of the Holy Place that represents God's sustaining provision for His covenant people.

Exodus 39:37

אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָ֨ה הַטְּהֹרָ֜ה אֶת־נֵרֹתֶ֗יהָ נֵרֹ֛ת הַמַּֽעֲרָכָ֖ה וְאֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלֶ֑יהָ וְאֵ֖ת שֶׁ֥מֶן הַמָּאֽוֹר׃

the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its accessories, together with the oil for illumination;

KJV The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The pure gold lampstand with all its accessories and oil — ready for the perpetual light that will illuminate the Holy Place.

Exodus 39:38

וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַזָּהָ֔ב וְאֵת֙ שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת קְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֑ים וְאֵ֕ת מָסַ֖ךְ פֶּ֥תַח הָאֹֽהֶל׃

the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the screen for the tent entrance;

KJV And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The gold incense altar, anointing oil, and incense — the worship implements, along with the entrance screen — are presented.

Exodus 39:39

אֵ֣ת ׀ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַנְּחֹ֗שֶׁת וְאֶת־מִכְבַּ֤ר הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙ אֲשֶׁר־ל֔וֹ אֶת־בַּדָּ֖יו וְאֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלָ֑יו אֶת־הַכִּיֹּ֖ר וְאֶת־כַּנּֽוֹ׃

the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its equipment; the basin with its stand;

KJV The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The bronze altar and basin — the courtyard furniture for sacrifice and cleansing — complete the major furnishing inventory.

Exodus 39:40

אֵת֩ קַלְעֵ֨י הֶחָצֵ֜ר אֶת־עַמֻּדֶ֣יהָ וְאֶת־אֲדָנֶ֗יהָ וְאֶת־הַמָּסָךְ֙ לְשַׁ֣עַר הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר אֶת־מֵיתָרָ֖יו וִיתֵדֹתֶ֑יהָ וְאֵ֗ת כׇּל־כְּלֵ֛י עֲבֹדַ֥ת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן לְאֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

the curtains of the courtyard with their posts and bases, the screen for the courtyard entrance, its ropes and tent pegs, and all the equipment for the service of the tabernacle — the tent of meeting;

KJV The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Courtyard infrastructure — curtains, posts, bases, gate screen, ropes, and pegs — all the elements that define the sacred perimeter.

Exodus 39:41

אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֥י הַשְּׂרָ֖ד לְשָׁרֵ֣ת בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֤י הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙ לְאַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְאֶת־בִּגְדֵ֥י בָנָ֖יו לְכַהֵֽן׃

the woven garments for service in the sanctuary, the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments for priestly service.

KJV The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons’ garments, to minister in the priest’s office.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The priestly garments close the inventory. Both service garments (bigdei serad) and sacred garments (bigdei ha-qodesh) are presented for approval.

Exodus 39:42

כְּכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֑ה כֵּ֤ן עָשׂוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֵ֖ת כׇּל־הָעֲבֹדָֽה׃

The Israelites carried out all the work exactly as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The comprehensive compliance statement: Israel did everything exactly as commanded. Obedience in construction mirrors the obedience demanded in worship.

Exodus 39:43

וַיַּ֨רְא מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־כׇּל־הַמְּלָאכָ֗ה וְהִנֵּה֙ עָשׂ֣וּ אֹתָ֔הּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה כֵּ֣ן עָשׂ֑וּ וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֹתָ֖ם מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

Moses inspected all the work, and indeed they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

KJV And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they have done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Moses's inspection and blessing parallel God's review of creation (Gen 1:31). 'He saw... they had done it... and he blessed them' echoes 'God saw that it was good.'

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